Good home builders in Southern Maryland

[bhanks]

bbubblyb I'm so glad that this thread has helped you! I was hoping I wasn't the only one getting great advice from it. I've actually had a lot of fun visiting all of the different developments around the area and writing down my opinions of them. It's been an interesting experience! (Guess I missed my calling as a real estate agent.)

I, too, feel like I might be priced out if I keep waiting. I'm "okay" with where I live at the moment, but not completely happy. (Wish we had just a little more space from our neighbors and a few more trees in the neighborhood.) But, with prices as they are, I definitely feel pressured to buy--kind of the "now or never" thing!

 

[spinner]

The house on Drumcliffs is an older home, I don't know much about it, it belongs to one of my customers. The area is nice with trees and the neighbors aren't real close. It has only been on the market like a week, I know it is on the internet.

 

[bhanks]

spinner Thanks for the info...is it on realtor.com or something like that?

 

[moon5leg]

Here's a current listing for a house for sale in Arrowhead:

http://realtor.com/Prop/1037678413

Here's a current listing for a house in Whitehall Farms:

http://realtor.com/Prop/1036881130

Both are nice neighborhoods, but the price is steep.

 

[spinner]

I called my customer and she said it is on SouthernMaryland.com

 

[spinner]

I found it...it is #34 and it is for sale by owner...

 

[Suz]

I know someone who bought a house in St. James 4 yrs ago for 150K. Kind of makes you sick to think prices have more than doubled now.

NOT TRUE!!!! I am new to this so please be nice and patient!...... There is no way anyone bought a house in St. James for 150K. I know because I live there! Every house in there has sold for over 200K. They might only OWE 150K! There is one house (next to me) That was built for less, but that was because the owner has connections (family) that helped him build it. But it's worth a whole lot more then it cost him to build it-he was smart and cut out the middle man! (wish I had done the same!)

It's a great neighborhood. Quiet, no nosey neighbors, but when you need them they are there to help. There are lots available in sections 3 & 4 but they are going quick. We may even have 1 or 2 available in section 3.

HBI-The only dealing we have had with them is for repairs to the common areas etc. And of course paying our home owners dues. Not many of the original homeowners care for them because they bought out the original developers, and don't keep us informed of changes. We have to stay on top of them to get answers, but we eventually get them. The only question not yet answered is WHEN do we get our pool and clubhouse????

Builders-I love my house, and would build it again (with minor changes) But I definitely would have done more research on builders. Do I recommend mine? No way-not even to build a dog house!

So BHANKS-your doing it right with research!! Come on down to St.James-You won't be sorry.

 

[bhanks]

Suz' I really appreciate all of your input! It's great to hear from someone who is living in one of the new developments--especially when it's so positive. I've noticed that several of the local developments seem to "share" builders. For instance, I know that at Crossings at Riverside Farms (off Flat Iron Rd., Great Mills), Sunset Builders built quite a few homes. However, HBI is taking over the next (remaining?) section of lots. I'm told that those will be going up on the market in late summer. St. James does appear to offer a lot of what many of us are looking for: space, nature, quiet, and a serious lack of traffic congestion. Plus, can you beat the fact that there is only one stoplight between your home and the base? (Yes, I admit I counted!)

Well, we officially put our names down on the Forrest Farm waiting list last week. I'm not exactly sure WHY we did that--especially knowing that the wait to be called at this point is about a year to a year and a half. But, I guess when you're that intrigued with an area, you'll find a way to wait! However, I'm feeling pretty tempted by a home that's for sale right now in Chestnut Hills. Must...be...strong!

 

[moon5leg]

Suz', just curious, any comments on the homeowners association? This is a pretty new concept for me, HOA's are not big up where I've come from. I know the rules in St. James seem pretty strict, any experiences making modifications that needed the HOA approval? Thanks.

 

[beejay]

What about homes closer to Waldorf/LaPlata?

Anyone know of any new developments in Charles County, near Waldor or LaPlata...with prices BELOW $400 grand?

I cannot believe the prices they are asking for new homes now. Over near Rte 228. they are starting in the $500's for homes that would have been $300 2 years ago. And there are absolutely no trees around and the homes are close together.

I want trees!!



Also, does anyone know how to buy a lot and then have a home built on it? I think that's the best way to go price wise.

 

[huntr1]

Originally posted by moon5leg
Suz', just curious, any comments on the homeowners association? This is a pretty new concept for me, HOA's are not big up where I've come from. I know the rules in St. James seem pretty strict, any experiences making modifications that needed the HOA approval? Thanks.

From my experience, making changes to your house when in a neighborhood with an HOA is NOT a problem, as long as you follow the HOA rules and put together an detailed application packet.
When we moved down here, we moved into a brand new neighborhood with an HOA, and when the builder turned the HOA over to the home owners, I made sure I was made President, just so I could make sure the HOA didn't get too out of control.

 

[huntr1]

Re: What about homes closer to Waldorf/LaPlata?

Originally posted by beejay
Also, does anyone know how to buy a lot and then have a home built on it? I think that's the best way to go price wise.

Before you buy a piece of property, you need to make sure that you can build on it due to school overcrowding. I know a guy up by hughesville that bought a farm and intended to put a couple of houses on it (mainly for family members), but couldn't subdivide it because the building permits would not be approved because the school was so overcrowded.

 

[bhanks]

beejay Oh goodie! Another tree lover -- just like me!

You know, those new developments in Waldorf and La Plata are out of control, price-wise. I remember (and it wasn't too long ago), when you could still buy in King's Grant for less than $400,000. I haven't checked their lately, but I think it's gone up quite a bit since then.

There a quite a few communities that come to mind, but nothing in that price range. My suggestions: Start at the mid-point of the area and slowly circle your way south. You may find that some areas that are just below La Plata (but somewhat out of the way) may be priced more "reasonably." Swan's Point (in Issue, MD) is about 15-20 minutes south of La Plata and MUCH lower in cost. (And it's set right on the river, next to a golf course.)

I'll try to think of a few more for you!

 

[Suz]

Homeowners Assoc: Yes you need approval for changes. Does everyone ask for approval? NO. The rules are pretty strict.** Like for instance (and now you'll know which house is mine-just don't TP or egg me ok? I LOVE hummingbirds. So I have a hummingbird print wrap on my mailbox. Well I got reported to HBI because all mailboxes are to be plain black. They sent me a letter to remove it. Well, the real issue was my 28 ft camper that was visable from the road, which was also included in the letter. So I blew them off (it was for sale at the time anyway). I sold it and 3 days later bought a 22ft boat! You can still see that but I am in the process of adding to my driveway so it will go behind the garage out of sight HOPEFULLY in the next 2-3 weeks. My mailbox cover is still there!! I am suppose to get permission to add to the driveway. They charge an application fee too do so. And no, I did not get permission. My husband and I see it like this-My house is worth over 400K I am not going to do anything to bring the value down any, so we refuse to ask for permission or pay to get it.
**HBI did change some of the rules WITHOUT consulting the existing home owners when they bought Delmarva out. That really pissed a lot of us off. Sections 4 & 5 no longer HAVE to have paved drives (because HBI does not include them in their prices-but for what they charge they should!!!) and they now allow front load garages (they say their plans are all front load but they have built some side load as well). And their sign no longer mentions the pool but we darn well better get it or they are in for one heck of a lawsuit.

We lived in a HOA/PUD in Va.Beach and swore we would never do it again. But after 10 years in a house in great mills, doing everything we could to improve it both in and out, we sold it at a loss to get out of the neighborhood that was quickly going down hill with rentals and homeowners that just did not care how their property looked to others.

We bought our lot while delmarva had it. It was a very EASY process for us. We lucked out with a excellent RE agent (Veronica Kolterjahn @ O'brien), and did a construction loan to have it built.

 

[moon5leg]

Suz', I'm in contract for a lot in section 4 and as far as I know, the clubhouse and pool are still going up. It's just that they will be located between sections 4 and 5 and that area hasn't been fully cleared out yet.

I kind of figured that the HOA rules can be bent, and I totally agree with you and your husband's philosophy on the whole matter.

Next thing you know, they'll tell you that you can only purchase cars of a certain color so that the whole neighborhood has a nice flow to its' color scheme.

 

[Suz]

Welcome to the "hood" moon5leg !!
We will have to meet sometime! We've been in our dream home for 3 years now and love it here. The BS of the HOA can get on your nerves, but I still favor it as opposed to where we did live in gr. Mills without a HOA. For the most part we respect the rules. But I've been paying the yearly dues and don't see where I am getting it's worth right now. When the pool is in, yes. When the HOA is turned over to us. Definitely. Right now they won't even give us a hint of when that will be. We've already met the minimum homes......... Or so we all thought.

Anyone that lives in here takes pride and care. Isabel hurt us pretty bad. Some of us are still working on clean up. But HBI choose to use that as a excuse to clear the land more then most home owners have wanted--WITHOUT notifying the buyers. We met the owner of the 12 acre lot, and he is not very happy about all the grass he has to maintain because they raped the land of trees that really didn't have to go. Beware. When we built this home we came down to see it every single day.

Lastly, I think all the road bed is cleared for the last 2 sections. Last we took a walk. I could be wrong. It's funny, when we moved in I thought the pool would be a good first job for one of my sons. But I kind of doubt that is the type of job they have in mind after college................

 

[bhanks]

This discussion of HOA is very interesting to me. I'm a native California resident. (CA on the opposite side of the U.S. that is...not the one next to Hollywood!) In southern CA, the HOAs are extremely strict. We're talking rules such as keeping your grass at a very particular level and all the houses must be painted with a particular brand of paint AND a particular color.

Another favorite rule of mine was the "planter box" rule. In the community I used to live in, we had low brick walls (maybe 3 feet high) that acted as entry ways to each individual home. You could not place ANYTHING on this low wall. In fact, when one woman across the street from us placed a pretty pot of geraniums (sp?) on hers, she was sent a letter telling her to remove them. When she didn't, she was fined $50. (Yes, she finally took them down.)

I, on the other hand, had a bit of a problem when a rented vehicle parked on our driveway (from a guest visiting us) leaked a bit of oil. The stain (approx. 1 foot in diameter) caused us to receive a letter because we didn't remove it right away. You better believe I was out there trying to get rid of that stain as soon as I got the letter!

When my husband and I moved to the PAX area, I was in culture shock. (Obviously from the differences between California and Maryland, but also because of the way some people don't seem to care as stricltly for their yards and homes.) It seems that many of the HOAs out here are much more lax with their rules. (Granted, as Suz' says, there are often rules about maintaining overall appearance.) But, many of the more stringent rules I saw in California don't seem to apply here. (Probably a good thing too! I would never have been able to keep my 1/3 acre of grass neatly trimmed at 1.5"!!)

Anyway, just popping my 2 cents in. The community I'm living in right now hasn't been turned over to the residents yet....still waiting...and waiting. Hopefully soon!!

 

[bhanks]

Forrest Lake

I checked out the new development called Forrest Lake this weekend and thought I would report my findings.

Forrest Lake is located on the 235, just a few minutes north of the Hollywood area. (It's on the right as you're headed towards Waldorf.) The development is fairly small--one main street of homes, but each home is nicely enveloped by trees and has a lot of space between neighbors.

The pros of the neighborhood:
* Space, space, and more space (2 to 7 acres per lot).
* Nature at its finest...if you love trees, you'll love this area.
* Nice looking homes.

The cons of the neighborhood:
* Much more expensive than I originally figured upon driving thru.
* Almost sold out...lots that are left are quite expensive.
* Sales rep. really pushed particular lender...it may be difficult to use your own bank for financing.
* You can't make a left when exiting the development.

My hubby and I went into the sales office to see how many lots they had left and what they wanted for them. We were shocked to find out that their prices started at $339,000 and quickly skyrocketd to $459,000. (There were only a couple of models that fell into the $339 range...most were over $400K.)

Truthfully, the neighborhood is nice, but I don't see charging $459K. It's a lovely community, but you're going to need some seriously deep pockets to enjoy this one. Hope that helps anyone who was considering the area!

 

[bhanks]

Liberty Home Development

Does anyone know anything about the new home development that Liberty is planning? It was adverised in a special section of this week's newspaper. (I believe it's Woods at ____ Creek....can't remember the name.) Supposed to be .5 to 2 acre home lots--very woodsy. Not sure of the exact location--but I did hear near Rt. 5 and 4.

Those of you who have had the "Liberty" experience, did you have problems with the house itself after it was built? The reason I ask is because I'm trying to figure out if the builder is just a pain to deal with or if he (she) is actually a "bad" builder.

As always, thanks! And, I'll post more when I know more.

 

[SuperGrover]

Re: Liberty Home Development

Originally posted by bhanks
Does anyone know anything about the new home development that Liberty is planning? It was adverised in a special section of this week's newspaper. (I believe it's Woods at ____ Creek....can't remember the name.) Supposed to be .5 to 2 acre home lots--very woodsy. Not sure of the exact location--but I did hear near Rt. 5 and 4.

Those of you who have had the "Liberty" experience, did you have problems with the house itself after it was built? The reason I ask is because I'm trying to figure out if the builder is just a pain to deal with or if he (she) is actually a "bad" builder.

As always, thanks! And, I'll post more when I know more.

the 1 year walk thru was just mainly for minor stuff... so as far as the quality goes, they are average.

but i would NEVER buy a new house from them again. they are VERY UNPROFESSIONAL and had to keep on top of them to make sure they did the RIGHT THING, and i'm not the only one. I know of at least 4 others who had bad buying experiences from them.

as for buying one already built, thank god that someone else dealt with them during the building process! like most builders, there are some homes that have problems, their problem is that, instead of correcting the problem quickly, they drag it on and on and on... you get my drift, unreliable, and becomes an issue that gives them a REALLY BAD NAME. only if they corrected problems quickly, and behaved professionally... then again this IS southern maryland (big fish in a small pond effect).

BTW, compared to other builders, you DO get more for what you pay for and it costs minimal to customize the home.

their new development is located, from 235 heading North, take the Hollywood (rd?) towards Leonard Town townsquare, it's about 1/2 way between 5 and 235 on the left -- the small paved road with cleared land by it (no buildings as yet).

Good luck! oh, if you do buy from them (or anyone else) make sure all your punchlist items from the final walk-thru is complete before signing the papers!